The Church of the Epiphany
1900 111th Ave NW
Coon Rapids, MN 55433
763.755.1020

Epiphany’s Parish Nurse: Diane Sibly

Email: dsibly@epiphanymn.org

A Parish Nurse is a Registered Nurse that has completed a preparation course endorsed by the American Nurses Association. They serve as a health care advocate that use basic nursing and faith knowledge to promote wellness of mind, body, and spirit. Parish Nurses appreciate the connection between mind, body, and spirit and place an emphasis on the care of the “person.” They recognize that there can be healing in the absence of a cure.

Functions of a Parish Nurse can include:

• Healthcare Advocacy/Counseling: Provides coaching and tips on navigating the healthcare system. Discusses heath problems and makes home or hospital visits as needed. Upholds the dignity of the human person.
• Promotes integration of faith and health: Encourages spiritual health, prayer, and Sacraments as a central part of the healing process. Assures that the “person” is not lost in the healthcare shuffle.
• Health Education: Provides 1:1 education and coordinates educational opportunities for broader groups as needed. May coordinate healthcare screening such as blood pressure screening after Mass.
• Referral Agent: Connects people with community, county, and parish resources.
• Coordinates/Develops Support Groups:
• Volunteer Development: Search for others in the parish that can help and coordinate training as needed.

Common Misconceptions:

• A parish nurse does not provide hands on care and does not replace homecare or clergy visits. Parish nurses will likely find more work for others rather than ease the workload.

Confidentiality:

• Any information shared with a parish nurse is kept confidential. Written records must be kept for liability reasons and are kept in a locked drawer.

Where to Begin:

• Can’t formulate a plan without assessing what the needs are first.
• Will start with home/hospital visits (respond to needs as they arise), assist with the North Metro Grief support Coalition, and lay some ground work by connecting with existing groups in the parish (ECL, Support Groups, Pastoral Care Commission, Epiphany We Care, etc.).